About
How we work
Open Style Lab is a Smithsonian design award-winning 501-c3 non-profit aiming to make style accessible to people of all abilities. We do this through educating designers, medical practitioners and brands, research and innovation, community empowerment and industry collaboration.
What we do
Education Programs
Designing with—not for—each other
We believe that everything starts with education! We educate designers, medical practitioners and industry about inclusive design processes. Through educational programs, talks, and workshops. Email us at hello@openstylelab.org if you are interested in being involved in OSL program 2025. Summer Program
Research and Innovation
OSL Academy
Want to know more about disability, design and inclusion? Open Style Lab offers online classes and content on accessibility, adaptive fashion and universal design. Our academy has a suite of content for exclusive members with tutorials & research created for public use (such as our co-published book and mask tutorial).
OSL researches with the accessibility community how design/style can affect self-esteem, social participation/stigma and the confidence of people with disabilities. We do this through surveys, focus groups and co-creation panels.
Events and Raising Awareness
Community Empowerment We engage with the community through workshops, focus groups and our OSL ambassadors program. These various programs serve as an opportunity to build community, elevate the voices and learn from the lived experiences of those living with disabilities.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Working together to achieve accessibility We join forces with like-minded allies, educators, advocates, businesses and nonprofits around the world in order to raise awareness for inclusive, purposeful design. We offer a range of services inclusing consulting, internal programing and events. Host thought-provoking roundtables with Open Style Lab, business partners, and employees about how to integrate and foster diversity and inclusion. Upon request, we’ll share our insights on your organization’s new adaptive line, accessible product development and more.
Consulting
Educational Programs
New York Fashion Week 2022
Workshops
Accessibility Footwear Workshop 2023
Raising Awareness
Vogue Business and Sustainability Summit 2023
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<div>In 2022, OSL partnered with Genentech to work with the spinal muscular atrophy community in adapting/designing 11 outfits that would be showcased as a prelude to New York Fashion Week. This was the first time a NYFW fashion show centered around the inclusion of people with disabilities. Elle magazine listed the show as a top 5 moment of NYFW.</div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col"> <div class="button-set"> <a class="button " href="https://www.vogue.com/article/adaptive-fashion-show-at-nyfw">Vogue<span class="button__indicator">→</span></a><a class="button " href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathankaufman/2022/09/23/mindset-matters-the-rise-of-adaptive-fashion-awakens-more-than-just-a-business-opportunity/?sh=19e2f0819e8a">Forbes<span class="button__indicator">→</span></a><a class="button " href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/sportswear/open-style-lab-plans-double-take-fashion-show-for-sma-community-1235303315/">WWD<span class="button__indicator">→</span></a> </div> </div> </div>
Working together to achieve accessibility
Open Style Lab Methodology
Reach out with your ideas, comments, questions and more. We love collaboration!
We’re currently accepting applications for interns, volunteers and freelancers for 2024. Send your CV and cover letter to hello@openstylelab.org.
Impact Report
OSL 2024
<div>Take a look at our impact report from 2024!</div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col"> <div class="button-set"> <a class="button " href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19MspdEa-1sGT-VQ5L8gfE08iHtEkU8gV/view?usp=drive_link">Download here<span class="button__indicator">→</span></a> </div> </div> </div>
Engagement
“I learned that fashion is about being more adaptive and independent.”
Destiny Valazquez, 2019, Summer Fellow
“I loved how collaborative the process was. It was great getting such a say in my outfit and look.”
Allegra, 2022 Collaborator
“I am continuously inspired by Open Style Lab’s thoughtful, inclusive designs and dedication to accessibility!”
Amanda Vo, 2023 Occupational Therapy Fellow
